Need Help with My Border Collie's Exercise Needs

✋ You said it!

You can always get a dog walker or some help if your worried about it I would never give up my dog for anyone

Walk the dog often, take them to the dog park, or if you can't, get a dog walker at least 1 or 2 times per week.

That sounds good! I mean I think they're supposed to get 2 hours a day of exercise so if you hit that I'm sure that's good! You could always bring it up at your next vet visit just to get a professional opinion and be able to say "yeah the vet says our routine is good"

Lots of enrichment tasks/toys and training. Unfortunately collies are high drive and energy so when they don’t have appropriate outlets they can become destructive, depressed or anxious. As long as they are given intensive exercise (walks are good however incorporate also runs/jogs and switch up your walking route), given enrichment indoors (puzzle toys, kongs, etc) and given training they can live happy lives in an apartment. Training is key with high energy breeds to prevent stress or depression, definitely recommend joining an obedience/basic training group if you can which can be a huge benefit for them! Important to be objective and understand although you love your dog they do have needs that must be met for them to live healthy lives. As long as you can meet those needs you’re a great pet owner. I would inform your partner on your plan to care for your pet and also involve your partner in the activities so they see that it can work. Best wishes!

Sounds like the boyfriend's actually just jealous of the attention that your dog gets. Because you're constantly stimulating playing and walking your dog your boyfriend is probably feeling left out and jealous. If hes gonna be jealous of an innocent dog time to let him take a walk.

My opinion, dogs before humans

throw the boyfriend away!!!! I love my cat and if someone said I needed to get rid of him…. bye 😂 I would see if there is a park near by or maybe somewhere you could take your dog for a walk? my parents used to have a border collie and they had a bigger backyard but even if you’re at an apartment, you can still walk them around

I have a border collie, I live in a small house with a whole family of 6 and another dog and a cat, it's cramped in here but my border collie gets her exercise through playing with toys inside with and without me and also by teaching and remembering new and old tricks. We walk for about 30 minutes a day, and at the end of that, she plays outside on her zipline because we don't have a fenced-in yard. As long as the dog is moving and happy, you should be fine. The walk is the most important, though. It really gets my border collie excited, and she gets most of her energy out on the walk and on the zipline. My border collie is female, so she was most hyper as a pup and got less hyper by the time she was 2 years old. Male border collies don't tend to do that. Overall, I think you can do it. It's just gonna take some work and creative thinking. They're definitely not for someone who wants to just feed a dog , take them out every now and then, and play with them when they want. A border collie will do better where they can run around freely, but as long as you stimulate them, they will be happy.

Border Collies DEF need lots of exercise, like a lot. He should be getting a half hour run/walk at least every 3 hrs. Collies are working dogs. Getting him stimulating toys will also help!

I’d also like to share an anecdote, if I may: Many years ago I had four cats at home, and I started a relationship with a now former partner. He once decided to give me an ultimatum about the cats, so he said: “it’s the cats or me.” My response to him was short and simple: “There’s the door; do as you will.” He was full of shit, so he didn’t leave, but it set a hard boundary about the cats. He never complained about them again, and he even learnt to love them eventually.

Hi! I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. I would suggest you set some serious and real boundaries with your boyfriend about this. Dogs are not ornaments; they’re family! If your boyfriend can’t accept your dog, then maybe he’s not the right partner for you. Is he willing to join you in playing and exercising with your dog? If you take turns playing Fetch, for example, your dog could get a longer amount of exercise. Are you able to bring your dog to a doggie daycare once or twice a week? Even once is better than nothing. Another option could be to make doggie playdates with your neighbours, and this would also help keep him well socialized with other dogs. It is also normal for working dogs (working breeds, which Collies are), to be quite energetic when they’re young, but they eventually calm down quite a bit. Just keep exercising and playing as much as possible with him, and give him time and love/ stability. A regular routine is really helpful for dogs. There are plenty of options available: rehoming is only a last resort consideration. It is particularly painful and stressful for dogs to lose their family. Ask your boyfriend if he’s willing to step up as a partner and participate in caring for the dog’s needs. If his answer is still “get rid of the dog,” then it may well be time to move on without the boyfriend. Hope this helps! Much love to you and your lovely pup! 🐾💖

You don't need to get rid of your dog for that. The fact that your boyfriend even suggests that shows that he isn't worth your time, especially if he isn't listening to you. There's always something you can do, such as toys that require activity or taking your dog to a park.

I have a chocolate lab in an apartment. He is super happy. I take him to dog parks, change out his toys often and I have a field near by that I let him run on periodically. Since border collies are extra energetic I'd suggest getting several enrichment toys for them.

There are alot of interactive toys on amazon for dogs!!!!

Walks, dog park, doggy daycare, he is part of your family, you can make this work.. I know your dog would be happier just being with you vs any shelter or the confusion that comes w rehoming an animal. Is he willing to help exercise the dog? Go on walks with you guys?

Chew toys help a lot! Interactive things for his mind and more walks!